By IANS,
New Delhi : The Coast Guard will Tuesday induct its fifth indigenously built Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) – ICGS Sankalp – in Goa, a defence ministry official said here Monday.
“Defence minister A.K. Antony will be present at the ceremony in Goa to induct ICGS Sankalp,” the official said.
Built at the Goa Shipyard Ltd, the 2,300-tonne AOPV would be equipped with the indigenously built Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and five high-speed boats for search and rescue, prompt interception, and marine pollution response missions.
“It is equipped with sophisticated navigational and communication sensors. The special features include an integrated bridge system, integrated machinery control system, high power external fire fighting system and two indigenously built gun mounts,” the official said.
Besides, an infra-red surveillance system will impart the vessel with night vision capability.
The 105 metres long ship will be based in Mumbai. It is propelled by 8,000 horse power twin diesel engines and its maximum speed is 25 knots. It can sail up to 6,500 nautical miles without refueling.
The Coast Guard plans to induct one more AOPV, three Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs), five Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs) and 11 Interceptor Boats (IBs), which are under various stages of construction at the Indian shipyards, into its fleet by next year.